THE VITAL ROLE OF TOURISM

The magnificent Kingdom of Cambodia is still recovering from its recent tragic history. Things are progressing here but not as quickly as they might.

Mango Cambodia supports local communities in all destinations and donates learning materials to the schools and projects visited on tours. We are also actively involved in various specific projects: sponsoring young street children through school; training young people in life and work skills and sponsoring our staff on various catering, computer, business and management courses to help further their careers.

Tourism is playing a vital role in helping the country overcome the difficulties of the past and move towards a bright and positive future. In practicing and promoting truly responsible tourism over the past four years, Mango has seen encouraging results.

EDUCATION

In 2009 Mango began raising funds to support a local-run village school of English in rural Cambodia, helping to secure the school's future for more than two years. We’ve contributed towards the building and stocking of the school library and donated a wide screen television, DVD player and a selection of DVDs, giving students the opportunity to learn from international resources as well as their own. Returning Mango clients from Calgary in Canada held a fundraiser for the school in their home town. The money raised will go to further sustain and develop the school.

 

We support a selection of hand-picked, fully transparent organizations - such as the Centre for Children’s Happiness – which nurture children from disadvantaged backgrounds. These organizations offer children, many of whom formerly lived on the streets or at the municipal rubbish dump, the chance to receive a good education and to be cared for in a safe, loving home. Some of Mango’s clients have been inspired to sponsor the education of a specific child (or children). They often keep in touch with the kids from overseas via email, sending birthday gifts to those who might otherwise not get any.

We strive to have a positive influence on the people and communities of Cambodia. By offering them opportunities and enabling them to develop and improve their lives, we believe we really can make a difference.  By booking with Mango, so can you.

 

Mango Cambodia is a proud travel partner of the ChildSafe International Network, an organisation consisting of individuals, businesses and groups who strive to protect children from abuse and prevent them from being placed in abusive situations. As a ChildSafe travel partner we help to protect children from the potential negative impacts of tourism. We aim to provide a safer environment for children by raising  awareness of the issues with our clients and training all Mango tour leaders and guides in ChildSafe practises. Our sister company, InDevelopment Productions has recently made a film drama about safe migration for the Asia Foundation and the International Labour Organisation, aimed at discouraging underage girls from seeking domestic work abroad. (www.indevelopmentproductions.com)

 

Mango Cambodia has a sister company specialising in Behaviour Change Communications – making TV spots, dramas and documentaries to encourage social development. See www.indevelopmentproductions.com for further information.